18

THE CLOSED DOOR

The road was once the highway, but the tide having played so many tricks with
its numberless bridges a new one had been built farther up the cliff, carrying
with it the life and business of the small town. Many old landmarks still
remained-shops, warehouses and even a few scattered dwellings. But most
of these were deserted, and those that were still in use showed such neglect
that it was very evident the whole region would soon be given up to the
encroaching sea and such interests as are inseparable from it.

The hour was that mysterious one of late twilight, when outlines lose their
distinctness and sea and shore melt into one mass of uniform gray. There was no
wind and the waves came in with a soft plash, but so near to the level of the
road that it was evident, even to these strangers, that the tide was at its
height and would presently begin to ebb.